Maine Middle School Suddenly Shuts Down Over ‘Safety Issues’
A Maine middle school has abruptly shut down for the foreseeable future sighting concerns for student and staff safety.
According to an article from WGME 13, the Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico has been shut down after an air quality test by an industrial hygienist found the air unsafe for people to breathe.
On Tuesday, October 8, RSU 10 Superintendent Deb Allen sent a message to staff and parents about the school closure, the news station reported, and she explained that a mold spore test had detected mold in the air and on some classroom items.
This all comes following multiple complaints that were made by some parents to the Mexico health officer about their children unexpectedly coming down with pneumonia, according to WGME.
The superintendent said that 'bacterial pneumonia' can be extremely contagious and that this could be the reason so many kids had become ill. However, fungal pneumonia, caused by mold, could also have been the culprit.
WGME reported that the school is closed until Friday, at which time students may pick up their belongings, and remote learning will begin for students on October 15.
A new school is currently under construction, however, it won't be complete for at least a year, according to the news station.
The following is a part of the letter that was sent to parents and faculty from Superintendent, Deb Alden,
Dear MVMS Staff, Parents, and Families, This is not a letter I have ever wanted to write.
However, it is necessary in our quest to be transparent and have honest and upfront communication with all of you in the most timely fashion possible. After meeting this afternoon with Mark Coleman, the Senior Industrial Hygienist from Sevee & Maher Engineers, regarding the latest air quality testing and follow up in MVMS yesterday, it is apparent that most of the building is no longer a healthy place to work and learn in.
There are a few areas that we may be able to utilize and are further being reviewed by Mark. In the meantime, we will not be using the school for students.
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